Winter is conference and travel season, which is when the important tasks of planning and contracting work for the upcoming summer is done. Each conversation has the potential to grow your business, increase margins or establish new relationships. Being sharp and focused for these meetings is key and can mean the difference between a great contract, an ok contract or no contract at all.
Below are three travel hacks that I use to stay fresh, focused and fit while traveling.
Good Sleep is Paramount
There is no substitute for a good night’s sleep. We’ve all had the room near the elevator, the one next to a kid’s birthday party, the one facing the highway or the room so close to the train tracks that the walls shake. This unpredictable noise level can ruin you for the next day. This is why I travel with a white noise machine. I use it at home too, so every time I turn the lights off, I do so to the exact same sound. This consistency allows me to fall asleep faster and blocks any noise that may pop up, no matter what hotel room I am in.
That First Cup Feeling
Waking up with a fresh cup of great coffee might just be one of life’s best moments. And we all know that hotel coffee can be an adventure! Most meetings feature shorter nights as team dinners run long and you can get lured into “just one more” conversation. Even if you sleep well, you might not sleep long and may need a little kick to start the day.
Hotel room coffee is mostly just brown water, good hotel coffee costs $5 or more and who has time to stand in the coffee shop line for 15 minutes every morning? This is why I travel with a portable mini espresso machine. There are multiple brands to choose from, you’ll save a ton of money over time and you can drink it in your pajamas. I have one for U.S. travel and a 220V version for international trips. Yes, I travel with a portable mini espresso machine on every overnight trip!
See the World on Two Feet
Finally, whether you’ve looking to unwind for the day or warm up in the morning, nothing is better than getting outside to see the world around you. A good pair of running or walking shoes means you have no excuse to skip fresh air. A body in motion means the mind stays engaged. You’ll be stuck in a meeting room, hotel room or conference room all day. Break out of that meeting malaise and get your blood flowing, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Plus, you‘ll get to take in your surroundings, whether it’s a rural road, city park or walk along the water.
Staying sharp on the road isn’t just about personal productivity: the future of our businesses and our partnerships depend on it. As leaders in the seed industry, it’s our responsibility to bring our best to every conversation.
